Guardianship and Conservatorship for Children and Adults 

A guardian is a surrogate decision-maker appointed by the court to make personal and/or medical decisions for a minor or for an adult with mental or physical disabilities.

A conservator is a surrogate decision-maker appointed by the court to make financial decisions for a minor or for an adult with mental or physical incapacity.

Only a Circuit Court judge can decide that a person is incapacitated and appoint a guardian and/or a conservator to act for the incapacitated individual.

In cases where incapacity of an individual is alleged, the court must appoint a discreet and competent attorney at law as a Guardian ad Litem to investigate the allegations and report the findings and recommendations to the court.

Ms. Oram-Smith is certified by the Virginia Supreme Court for appointment as Guardian ad Litem for both children and adults.